To weld or not to weld

[RL Detroit]

I am wondering if I should have my taillight box welded to the roof of the car or just bolt it on? I'm concerned that I'll get significant deflection of the roof and the tail light box becuase it is made out of 0.08 inch think aluminum.

54919

54920

[racer56]

How would you weld an aluminum light box to a steel frame?

Make a new one out of thicker aluminum and mount it with dzus tabs. Btw, you should enclose the ends of the box.

[RL Detroit]

alum light box welded to alum roof. Roof bolted down to steel frame

[racer56]

If you weld the box on you will have a difficult time servicing the wiring connections.

[racer56]

Take a look at this. http://www.blitzkriegoffroad.com/products.asp?section=accessories_led_light_bar

[Mike @ pit b]

If you weld the box on you will have a difficult time servicing the wiring connections.

BINGO!!

Box the sides in. Maybe put a hinge in the front, so you can flip it up to service the lights. Then zeus/bolt the back end of it down.

[RL Detroit]

I have the pieces already made for the sides and I was going to bolt them on but ....... I like the idea of the hinge and securing the rear side.

Thanks